MC Helios-77M-4 50mm f/1.8 | VOMZ Factory | Multi-Coated Swirly Bokeh Lens | M42 Mount [Tested & Verified]

Overview

Elevate your photography with a highly sought-after hidden gem of Soviet optics. While the Helios-44 series is famous worldwide, the MC Helios-77M-4 takes that legendary optical formula to the next level. Manufactured at the VOMZ (Vologda Optical-Mechanical Plant), this lens offers a faster f/1.8 maximum aperture and a wider 50mm focal length, making it an incredibly versatile daily prime.

Equipped with factory Multi-Coating (MC), it delivers superior contrast, vibrant color rendering, and excellent flare resistance, all while preserving the breathtaking, character-rich "swirly bokeh" that vintage lens enthusiasts love.

Why This Specific Version is Special:

• Faster and Wider: Unlike the standard 58mm f/2.0 Helios lenses, the 77M-4 offers a versatile 50mm field of view and a faster f/1.8 aperture, perfect for low-light shooting and intense background separation.
• Multi-Coated (MC) Optics: The advanced multi-coating significantly reduces vintage hazing and flaring, providing punchy contrast and beautiful color saturation straight out of the camera.
• Legendary Swirly Bokeh: Based on the classic Biotar optical design, shooting wide open at f/1.8 produces a stunning, vortex-like swirly background effect, instantly giving your portraits a cinematic and artistic feel.
• VOMZ Build Quality: Identified by the factory logo on the name ring, this unit was built at the Vologda plant, known for tight mechanical tolerances and robust metal construction.

Compatibility (DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras)

Featuring the universal M42 screw mount, this lens is incredibly easy to adapt to almost any modern digital camera system while retaining infinity focus:

• DSLR Cameras: Easily adaptable to Canon EF, Pentax K, and others using a standard M42 adapter. (Note: Nikon F DSLR users will need an adapter with a correction glass to achieve infinity focus).
• Mirrorless Cameras: Works flawlessly with infinity focus on all modern systems via an M42 adapter, including Sony E-mount, Fujifilm X, Canon RF, Nikon Z, Leica L, and Micro Four Thirds (Olympus, Panasonic, Lumix). Perfect for both Full-Frame and Crop (APS-C/MFT) sensors.

Technical Specifications:

• Focal Length: 50mm
• Aperture Range: f/1.8 – f/16
• Optical Design: 6 elements in 4 groups (Biotar Formula)
• Lens Mount: M42 Screw Mount
• Minimum Focus Distance: 0.45 meters (approx. 1.5 feet)
• Filter Diameter: 52mm (M52x0.75)
• Aperture Blades: 6
• Sensor Coverage: Full Frame / 35mm Film
• Body Material: Metal
• Weight: 248 g (8.7 oz)
• Manufacturer: VOMZ (Vologda Optical-Mechanical Plant), USSR
• Focus Type: Manual Focus Only

Condition Report

• Optics: Excellent condition. The glass elements are perfectly clean and clear. No fungus, no scratches, no separation, and no haze. Note: As with any vintage lens, minor internal micro-dust particles may be visible under harsh light, which is completely normal and has zero impact on image quality.
• Mechanics: The manual focus ring turns exceptionally smoothly and evenly. The aperture mechanism functions perfectly, and the blades are completely clean and free of oil.
• Cosmetics: Beautiful vintage condition with very minor signs of careful use on the barrel, consistent with its age.

Note: All photos shown in this listing are actual high-resolution images of the specific lens you will receive.

What’s Included in the Box:

1. MC Helios-77M-4 50mm f/1.8 Lens
2. Original Heavy-Duty Plastic Storage Case (Authentic Soviet impact-resistant tube)
3. Original Front and Rear Lens Caps